Anderson Valley, a hidden gem right outside San Francisco

When you talk about California and wine, most people immediately think of Napa Valley. But California has so much more to offer. I had the pleasure of spending a few days in Anderson Valley, less than two hours drive north of San Francisco.

A cold wine region

Here the vineyards are like a string of pearls along the road. The region is approximately a 1.5 km wide and stretches for about 26 km, covering some 23,300 hectares. It starts in Boonville in the south to the town of Navarro in the north.
It is one of the coldest wine regions in California. This is because the landscape acts as a wind tunnel, bringing in the cool ocean winds and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean, which is only 16 kilometres away.

A young region

By European standards, today’s Anderson Valley is a very young wine region. Although grapes have been grown here for a long time and you can find vines that are around 100 years old, which is old even by European standards, it must be said that modern viticulture only began in the early 1970s. Then it was the classics, Cabernet Franc etc that grew here. But it was soon realised that these grapes did not do well in the relatively cold climate. Pinot Noir on the other hand thrives perfectly.

The Queen Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, with all its different clones, is today the undisputed queen of Anderson Valley. The wines produced here from this grape are of exceptionally high quality. All from light rosé that dances over the palet to plump and elegant red. I was struck by how many of also the older wines maintained their fruit and freshness.
Pinot Noir aside, likewise, Chardonnay is a grape that really flourishes here. But don’t be surprised if you are also served a flavourful Riesling or classic Gewürtztraminer. In fact, I’ve tasted a few Gewürztraminers here that would undoubtedly give their German counterparts a run for their money.
Also not to be missed when visiting the valley is any of the sparkling wines. Whether the winery specialises in them, such as Scharffenberger, or only has only a few on the menu at the moment, such as Holz, they are all well made and full of flavour.

A place worth the trip

On the official website, avwines.com, you can find very good maps and guides to the different wineries and all other things you can do in the valley. I really recommend a visit. It’s a place well worth it’s own trip. Personally, I will definitely return. This little valley is a hidden treasure that has absolutely more to offer and I look forward to discovering, and tasting, more.

/Maria Scharffenberg
Sommelier and Teacher